On February 19, 2025, Erubey Arciga Medrano, a 35-year-old from Michoacan, Mexico, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison by United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice for drug trafficking charges. Alongside the prison term, Medrano received five years of supervised release. The sentence reflects the significant amount of drugs and firearms involved in the case.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) identified Medrano as the leader of a drug trafficking organization distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl across Eastern Washington, including Oroville and the Colville Indian Reservation. From January to March 2023, law enforcement agencies conducted controlled drug buys from Medrano's operation.

In April 2023, multiple law enforcement agencies executed federal search warrants in rural Okanogan County near Oroville. They seized approximately 161,000 fentanyl-laced pills, around 80 pounds of methamphetamine, six pounds of heroin, over two pounds of cocaine, and about twelve firearms.

Acting United States Attorney Richard Barker praised the collaborative effort: “The volume of drugs and firearms seized during this operation is staggering... Because of the joint efforts... Eastern Washington is safer today.” He emphasized that many drugs were destined for Native American communities in Washington and Montana.

Deputy Associate Director Tom Atkinson highlighted the impact on tribal communities: “The impact... cannot be quantified... This achievement exemplifies the BIA's unwavering commitment to dismantling organizations that exploit Indian Country.”

David F. Reames from DEA Seattle Division stated: “Drug traffickers like Mr. Medrano profit from the pain they cause selling poison to our neighbors.” He stressed their commitment to holding traffickers accountable.

This investigation involved multiple agencies including BIA Division of Drug Enforcement, DEA, North Central Washington Narcotics Task Force with support from U.S. Marshals Service and others. The prosecution was led by Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker and Assistant United States Attorney Nowles H. Heinrich.